Why you should be adding salt to your beauty routine

The benefits of salt have been hailed for centuries by many cultures for its incredible cleansing properties. Whether you've had the opportunity to float your cares away in The Dead Sea or were invigorated by jumping into the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans here at home - there's no denying that the salty exposure leaves an impact on your entire body. You just feel better - don't you? That's because sea salts are super rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium, among so many others. Himalayan salt is one of the purest forms on earth, and while adding too much to your food can leave you feeling parched, it has the opposite effect on your skin. The minerals and electrolytes actually create a barrier on the skin to enhance hydration and reduce irritation. 

So,  it's no surprise beauty brands are exploring ways to incorporate these natural ingredients to enhance their products. Beauty expert Chantel Guertin shared eight incredibly innovative products to add to your beauty and skincare collection, from body scrubs to mouthwash, deodorant and cleansers. 

Pak'akai Cleansing Cream 

Using a salt-based cleanser is a great way to gently extract impurities. We love the Pa’akai Cleansing Cream because it has Hawaiian salt and hibiscus, which leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Plus, the seaweed extract works to renew the skin. It’s super gentle on the skin, so it’s great as an everyday cleanser.

SHOP: Pa'akai Cleansing Cream, $35, at The Detox Market

BondiBoost Sea Salt Texturizing Spray 

If you want to rock beachy hair all year long, you need this product in your life. This sea salt spray from BondiBoost is infused with Himalayan Sea salt, which creates a weightless and chic look—without going to the beach. 

SHOP: BondiBoost Sea Salt Texturizing Spray, $28, at Sephora

Sephora Collection Hair Cleansing Scrub

The scalp is part of our skin, yet we don’t always take care of the way we do with the skin on our face—and we may not know how. This salt scalp scrub works to get rid of pollution, excess sebum and dead skin cells on your scalp, plus the apple cider vinegar leaves your hair beautifully shiny.

Sephora Collection Hair Cleansing Scrub, $14, at Sephora

Véilment Natural Spa 2-in-1 Body Scrub + Cleanser

With a combination of cold weather and dry indoor heating, winter can be tough on our skin. That’s where salt can come in because it’s a great exfoliator. This two-in-one product from Véilment exfoliates and cleanses in one step. Formulated with French rose oil and apricot seed powder, this product will keep your skin moisturized and silky-soft all day long.

SHOP: Véilment Natural Spa 2-in-1 Body Scrub + Cleanser, $21 from Avon

Quo Beauty Epsom Salts

If you love a good bath, you know bath salts are an incredible addition to your 'me time.' Traditionally, epsom salts are great for removing lactic acid buildup in the body, which is why it’s common for runners and athletes to soak in a bath after a game or a marathon. Quo Beauty offers four epsom salts with delightful scents to give you the benefit your body truly needs. Scents include lavishly lavender, vanilla brule, tuberose and magnolia and eucalyptus mint. Pour these into running water and soak for about 20 minutes and let your troubles melt away.

SHOP: Quo Beauty Epsom Salts, $9 at Shoppers Drug Mart

Tom’s of Main Sea Salt Mouthwash

Sea salt is a great way to disinfect, and when used in dental products it can help fight bad breath. Leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed with this Sea Salt Mouthwash from Tom's of Maine. Made without alcohol, this natural mouthwash can reach areas your toothbrush misses. 

SHOP: Tom’s of Main Sea Salt Mouthwash, $6.99 on Amazon

Biotherm Homme T-Pur Anti-Oil & Shine Bi-Phase Lotion

For men who tend to get shiny or oily throughout the day, using a cleanser that contains salt can help minimize oil. This cleanser from Biotherm features two phases to battle oily skin. The water-astringent phase cleanses the skin, while the French sea salt powder phase, which is activated by shaking the product, leaves the skin mattified. 

SHOP: Homme T-Pur Anti-Oil & Shine Bi-Phase Lotion, $36, at Biotherm

Saje Goddess Natural Spray 

Take on the day with this aluminum-free, mineral salt-based deodorant from Saje. It neutralizes odour-causing bacteria rather than just masking them. Plus, the rose and ylang-ylang create a beautiful and calming scent. 

SHOP: Goddess Natural Deodorant Spray; $14 at Saje